Ronald A. Peeples Sr.

Ronald Aaron Peeples Sr. of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Ronald was born on Dec. 19, 1943, to James and Pauline Peeples in Benton Harbor. He was the fifth child of six children born to this family.

Ron graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1961. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sheridan. He served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne division and was a Vietnam War veteran. Ron was recognized as an expert rifle sharpshooter and clear radio operator. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 17, 1968.

He and his wife, Martha (McNutt), were joined in holy matrimony in December 1970 and were married for 51 years until her death on Feb. 3, 2022. This union was blessed with two children: Dr. Rhonda N. Peeples and Ronald A. Peeples Jr.

Ron worked for Hobart Shipping & Receiving for many years and then transferred to the Dayton County Juvenile Department where he worked until his retirement. He enjoyed volunteering and was a referee for youth basketball and baseball. Ron enjoyed playing cards, chess, traveling, cooking and being with family.

Ron is survived by his sons: Ronald Aaron Peeples Jr. of Pickerington and Chris (Teesa) Adams of Columbus; granddaughter, Star Adams; and sister, Barbara Peeples of Stevensville. He is also survived by his nieces: Vickie Peeples of Saginaw, Mich., Beverly Burks of Fort Worth, Texas, Lisa Peeples-Hurst (Andrew), Audrey Peeples and Traci Robinson of Benton Harbor; nephews: Ernest Robinson of Farmington Hills, Mich., Vic (Heather) McNutt of Lansing and Douglas McNutt of Benton Harbor; and a host of other cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition, he is survived by sisters-in-law: Dora Robinson of Benton Harbor and Margie McNutt of Lansing, and brother-in-law, Steve (Valerie) McNutt.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Martha, and daughter, Rhonda; his parents: James and Pauline Peeples; brothers: James Peeples Jr. and Richard Peeples; and sisters: Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks and Lois Peeples.

A 10:30 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. funeral will be Friday, March 21, at the Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Memorials donations in Ron's name may be made to Second Baptist Church of Benton Harbor. Those wishing to sign Ron's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.